Setting tool



Nov. 16, 1937. E. BURNS ET AL SETTING TOOL Filed Nov. 6, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet l 7 i &

Nov. 16, 1937. E. BURNS ET AL 2,099,048

TTTTTTTTT 0L Nov. 16, 1937. E. BURNS ET AL 2,099,048

SETTING TOOL Filed Nov. 6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 I I l Nov. 16, 1937. E. BURNS El AL 2,099,048

SETTING TOOL Filed Nov. 6, 1935 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 50 I I I I I I I I I I I I i- I I I I I I I I I l Patented Nov. 16, 1937 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SETTING TOOL Application November 6, 1935, Serial No. 48,514

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a well tool and relates more particularly to a setting tool for facilitating the arranging or setting of liners and other equipment in wells. A general object of this invention is to provide a simple, practical and dependable setting tool.

Liners are usually run into the producing portions of wells on strings of pipe and are set or suspended to line the open parts of the wells and conduct the flowing well fluids into the casing or tubing. Devices known as setting tools are employed to facilitate the setting and removal of liners and the like. A setting tool is operable to connect a liner or liner hanger with the lower end of a string of pipe employed to run the liner into the well and following the setting oi the liner or the liner hanger the setting tool is released to disconnect the string of pipe from the liner or liner hanger whereupon the string may be withdrawn from the well leaving the liner in position in the well.

Another object of this invention is to provide a setting tool that forms a positive dependable connection between a liner, liner hanger or the like, and a string of pipe employed to run the liner or liner hanger into the well, whereby the liner may be run into the well without danger of disconnection from the string.

Another object of this invention is to provide a setting tool that is operable to transmit both right-hand and left-hand turning forces between the setting string and the liner hanger for the actuation or release of the liner hanger.

Another object of this invention is to provide a setting tool of the character mentioned that is sturdy and capable of withstanding hard usage and of transmitting comparatively heavy rotational and longitudinal strains.

Another object of the invention is to provide a setting tool that may be easily and quickly released when in the well. The setting tool of the present invention may be readily released when in the well by merely lowering the string slightly and then giving the string a partial rotation whereupon the string may be pulled from the well leaving the liner and the outer part or adapter of the setting tool on the liner in the well.

A further object of this invention is to provide a setting tool of the character mentioned in which the mandrel on the lower end of a string of pipe may be easily engaged and locked in the adapter on a liner or liner hanger in the well to provide for the removal of the liner from the well.

The various objects and features of our invention will be fully understood from the following detailed description of typicalforms and applications of our invention, throughout which description reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of one form of the setting tool provided by this invention showing it connecting the lower end of a string with a liner or a liner hanger and illustrating the principal parts or the tool in central vertical cross section. Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the tool shown in Fig. 1 in a partially released condition illustrating the principal parts in central vertical cross section. Figs. 3 and 4 are enlarged transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines 3-3 and 4-4 respectively on Figure 1 illustrating the principal parts in central vertical cross section. Fig. 5 is a transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line 5-5 on Fig.

2. Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of the lock ring removed from the tool. Fig. 7 is an enlarged side elevation of the mandrel. Fig. 8 is a side elevation of another form of the invention with the parts in the locked position and illustrating the adapter and the lock ring in longitudinal cross section. Fig. 9 is an enlarged side elevation of the tool illustrated in Fig. 8 with the parts in the partially released positions showing the adapter and the lock ring in vertical cross section. Fig. 10 is a transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line |0l ll on Fig. 8. Fig. 11

is an enlarged transverse detailed sectional view taken as indicated by line ll-|l on Fig. 8. Figs.

12 and 13 are transverse detailed sectional views taken as indicated by lines I 2-H and l3--l3 on Fig. 9. Fig. 14 is a side elevation of the lock ring of the tool shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 15 is a side elevation of the mandrel of the tool illustrated in Fig. 8.

The setting tool of the present invention includes, generally, an outer part or adapter l0, an inner part or mandrel ll adapted to fit in the adapter Ill and a spring urged lock ring I! on the mandrel H for cooperating with the adapter I0 The adapter I0 is a tubular member adapted to be threaded or otherwise attached to a liner, a liner hanger or other device to be set or positioned in a well. In the particular application of the invention illustrated in the drawings the adapter I0 is threaded on the upper end part of a tubular member l3 which may be considered a liner or a liner hanger. The longitudinal opening ll of the tubular adapter I0 is preferably as large in diameter as the opening of the member l3. The

upper end |5 of the adapter I0 is preferably inclined downwardly and inwardly to guide the mandrel into the adapter opening ll. The adapter I0 is internally relieved or provided with aninternal annular groove l6. The groove I6 is spaced between the opposite ends of the opening l4 and preferably has flat horizontal upper and lower walls. A plurality of circumiferentially spaced longitudinal grooves I1 is provided in the wall of the opening I. The longitudinal grooves extend downwardly from the upper end of the adapter Hi to the annular circumferential groove I6. In the typical embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings there are four equally spaced grooves having vertical parallel side walls. The adapter Hi just described is intended to be connected to a liner, a liner hanger or other part to be set in a well, and is intended to remain on the liner, liner hanger or part when the mandrel H is removed and the setting string of pipe is withdrawn from the well.-

The mandrel II which constitutes the inner part of the setting tool is intended to be received in the longitudinal opening I of the adapter i0 and may be locked therein in a manner that permits its removal when in the well. The mandrel ii is an elongate part which may be cylindrical in its general configuration. The mandrel II is provided at its upper end with means for facilitating its connection with the string of pipe or tubing employed to set the liner or other device in the well. In the typical case illustrated a sub 8 is threaded on a reduced upper end portion IQ of the mandrel The lower end of the sub l8 forms a downwardly facing annular shoulder 20 on the mandrel. The typical sub I! has a tapered screw threaded socket 2| in its upper end to receive a threaded pin 22 of a tool joint section or the like on the lower end of the string of pipe for carrying and setting the liner. The lower portion I I of the mandrel II is enlarged in diameter to fit or extend into the opening H of the adapter Ill with suitable slight clearance. The

upper end of the enlarged mandrel portion llforms an upwardly facing annular shoulder 23. In accordance with the invention the mandrel II is provided with spaced longitudinal grooves 24. In the construction illustrated there are two diametrically opposite longitudinal grooves 26 which extend upwardly from the shoulder 23 to the reduced threaded pin portion IS. The grooves 26 are preferably straight andyertical. Circumiferentially extending grooves or lateral branch grooves 25 join the longitudinal grooves 2|. The branch grooves 25 are spaced above the shoulder 23 and preferably extend rearwardly or in a counter-clockwise direction from the grooves 24. The branch grooves 25 are straight and provided with horizontal upper and lower walls.

The inner part or mandrel 0! the setting tool has projecting parts or elements for engaging in the adapter l0. Circumferentially spaced lugs 26 are provided on the lower or enlarged portion I l of the mandrel Ii. There are four equally spaced lugs 26 for cooperating with the four circumferentlally spaced longitudinal grooves I! in the adapter Ill. The lugs 26 may be rectangular having flat vertical sides and flat horizontal ends. The lugs 26 of the mandrel II are proportioned to readily move or pass through the longitudinal grooves in the adapter III. In accordance with the invention the lugs 26 are adapted to enter the annular groove |6 of the adapter l0 and are adapted to have substantial verticalplay or movement in the groove l6. The extreme lower end of the mandrel H has a downwardly and inwardly inclined surface 21 which assists in guiding or directing the mandrel into the tubular adapter ID. The mandrel I I is provided with a central longitudinal fluid passage 28 which communicates with the opening in the setting string to conduct fluid to the adapter il and the liner or liner hanger to flush out the liner.

The lock ring I2 surrounds the mandrel II and is shiftable or slidable on the mandrel. The lock ring i2 is arranged on the mandrel H between the shoulder 26 and the shoulder 23 and normally bears downwardly against the shoulder 23 as will be hereinafter described. In practice the ring |2 may be cylindrical and may be of the same external diameter as the adapter I0. In accordance with the invention the lock ring I! has keys or lugs 26 projecting from its inner side or interior to cooperate with and move in the grooves 26 and 25 o! the mandrel The keys or lugs 29 are proportioned to move freely through the longitudinal grooves 24 and the branch grooves 25. In addition to the keys or lugs 29 the lock ring H has one or more fingers or tongues 36 projecting from its lower end. In the typical construction illustrated there are two diametrically opposite tongues 30 spaced from the vertical plane of the keys or lugs 29. The tongues 36 are spaced inwardly from the periphery of the ring II and are adapted to fit into or cooperate with the longitudinal grooves II in the adapter ID to releasably connect the adapter and ring |2 against relative rotation while the keys or lugs 29 cooperate with the lower end parts of the longitudinal grooves 24 to conriect the ring l2 and the mandrel against relative rotation whereby the lock ring |2 forms a. connector between the mandrel and the adapter ill for transmitting rotation in both directions. The lock ring I2 is spring held or spring urged there being a spring 3| for urging the ring l2 downwardly. The spring 3| is a helical compression spring surrounding the mandrel II and held under compression between the shoulder 20 and the upper. end of the lock ring l2. The upper end 01' the lock ring I2'may be provided with an upstanding annular flange or ridge 32 to retain the spring 9| in proper cooperation with the ring.

In assembling the setting tool of this invention the lock ring I2 is first arranged on the mandrel II from its upper end so that the keys or lugs 29 are received in the longitudinal grooves 24. The spring 3| is then arranged in position on the mandrel II and the sub I8 is threaded on the pin or reduced mandrel portion 9 so that the spring 3| is held under compression. The sub I! may be connected with the lower member of a string of pipe or tubing for running or lowering the liner into the well. The adapter l0 may be readily threaded to a liner, a liner hanger or other tool or piece of equipment to be run into and set or positioned in the well. In the drawings the tubular adapter I0 is shown threaded to a member |3 which will be considered as a liner hanger. To assemble or connect the mandrel II and adapter I the ring I2 is first moved on the mandrel I to bring its keys or lugs 29 into the innermost or closed end portions of the branch grooves 25. This movement of the lock ring |2 on the mandrel brings the tongues 36 oi the ring in longitudinal alignment with two of the lugs 26 of the mandrel. Following this initial or preliminary setting of the lock ring l2 the mandrel is introduced or entered in the .26 into the annular groove IS. The mandrel Ii is then turned relative to the adapter It to move the lugs 26 into the annular groove l6 and to turn the lugs 29 01' the ring l2 into the longitudinal grooves 24 of the mandrel, the tongues 30 of the ring cooperating with the longitudinal grooves ll of the adapter to hold the ring against turning relative to the adapter whereby the longitudinal grooves 24 of the mandrel are brought into alignment with the lugs 29 simultaneously with the movement 01' the mandrel lugs 26 in the annular groove i6. The spring 3| acting downwardly on the ring l2 moves the ring downwardly when the lugs 29 and longitudinal grooves 26 are aligned, the downward movement of the ring by the spring bringing the lugs 29 into the lower portions of the longitudinal grooves 26.

The mandrel H and the adapter III are then looked against relative rotation, the tongues 30 cooperating with the grooves I! to prevent relative rotation between the adapter i and the lock ring l2 and the lugs 29 cooperating with the longitudinal mandrel grooves 26 to lock the mandrel and the ring l2 against relative rotation so that the ring l2 forms a means for connecting the mandrel and adapter against relative rotation. The lugs 26 of the mandrel ll being located in the groove l6 out of longitudinal alignment with the grooves I1 are adapted to coopv erate with the walls of the annular groove I6 lower wall of the annular groove I6.

to transmit longitudinal forces between the mandrel and adapter.

Following the assembling of,the tool and the connecting of the mandrel II to the lower member of the string of pipe and the connecting of the adapter It to the liner hanger ill, the string may be run into the well to position or locate the liner as desired. The setting tool of the present invention constitutes a positive or dependable connection between the lower end of the string and the liner hanger l3. If the actuation or setting of the liner hanger requires rotary motion then the string may be turned in either direction as required for its operation. The setting tool is adapted to transmit rotation in either direction, the lock ring I2 forming a positive rotation transmitting element between the telescopically assembled adapter l0 and mandrel'il. The openings or passages 28 and ll of the mandrel and adapter may conduct circulation fluid downwardly from the string to the liner hanger l3 if it is necessary or desirable to flush out the liner. When the liner has been set the mandrel ll may be easily released from the adapter III to permit the removal of the setting string from the well. To release or disconnect the setting tool the string is lowered or allowed to settle causing the mandrel II to move downwardly relative to the adapter Ill until its lugs 26 bear on the This downward movement of the mandrel ll brings the branch grooves 25 into circumferential or lateral alignment with the lugs 29 of the lock ring l2, the ring being held against downward movement through its engagement with the upper end of the adapter ill. The string may then be given a partial rotation to turn the mandrel II to a position where the inner end portions of its branch grooves 25 receive the lugs 29. When the lugs 26 are in the extreme inner ends of the branch grooves 26 the lugs 26 or the mandrel I I are in alignment with the longitudinal grooves ll of the adapter It. The string may then be raised to move the mandrel upwardly out of the adapter ll as the lugs 26 may move upwardly through the longitudinal grooves I! to permit the withdrawal of the mandrel from the adapter. The string carrying the mandrel ll may then be withdrawn from the well leaving the adapter ill on the, upper end of the liner setter I 8.

when it becomes necessary to remove the set liner from the well a string of pipe or tubing carrying the mandrel II is run into the well. Prior to the running of the string into the well the lock ring I2 is positioned on the mandrel where its lugs 26 are in the closed or innermost end portions of the branchgrooves 26. When the mandrel II reaches the tubular adapter It its tapered lower surface 2'|-guides or directs it into the opening ll of the adapter. When the lock ring I2 is in the position where its lugs 29 are in the innermost portions of the branch grooves 25, the tongues 30 are vertically aligned with two lugs 26. The string is manipulated to cause the lugs 26 of the mandrel to enter the longitudinal grooves ll of the adapter. The tongues 30 being aligned with the lugs 26 follow the lugs into the longitudinal grooves li. When the string has been moved downwardly to bring the lugs 26 against the lower wall of the annular groove l6 the mandrel is turned to bring the lugs 29 out of the transverse grooves 25 and into alignment with the vertical grooves 24 which turning simultaneously moves the lugs 26 out of alignment with the grooves I I to lock the mandrel in the adapter as described above. The setting tool is then locked or assembled to form a positive secure connection between the string and the liner hanger l6 so that the string may be rotated,

pulled upwardly or otherwise manipulated to free the liner whereupon the string carrying the liner may be removed from the well.

The form of setting tool illustrated in Figs. 8 to 15, inclusive, of the drawings includes generally, an outer part or adapter ill, a mandrel 40 adapted to lit in the adapter l0 and a lock ring 4| on the mandrel for cooperating with the adapter M.

The adapter l0 may be identical with the adapter ill of the previously described form of the invention and the same reference, numerals will be employed in referring to its several parts. The adapter l0 may be connected to a liner hanger H, a liner or other part to be positioned or set in a well, and is adapted to remain in the well on the liner hanger or other device when the setting string with the mandrel l0 thereon is removed from the well.

The mandrel 40 is an elongate part adapted to be introduced into the opening I I of the adapter Ill. A threaded pin part 62 is provided on the upper end of the mandrel 40 and is adapted to be threaded into a sub 63 on the lower end of the setting string. The lower portion 46 of the mandrel 66 is of enlarged diameter to fit in or cooperate with the opening M of the adapter Ill. The mandrel portion 44 is provided with circumferentially spaced lugs 45 adapted to be passed through the longitudinal grooves ll of the adapter ID to cooperate with the circumferential groove l6 in the adapter. The lugs 45 may be integral parts of the mandrel l0 and are shaped and proportioned to readily pass through the grooves l1 and to have vertical play or movement in the circumferential groove l6. The mandrel 40 has a central longitudinal fluid passage 39. In accordance with the form of the invention being described the mandrel 40 has projections 46 for cooperating with the lock ring 4|. The projections 46 on the mandrel 48 may be in the form of pins threaded into openings in the mandrel or may constitute the end parts of a pin passed through a diametric opening 41 in the mandrel. The projections 46 are spaced some distance abovethe upper end of the enlarged mandrel portion.

The lock'ring 4| surrounds and is shiftableon the mandrel 40 between the sub 43 and the upper end of the enlarged mandrel portion 44. The ring 4| is provided with downwardly projecting fingers 48 adapted to extend into thelongitudinah grooves l1 of the adapter ID to lock the ring 4| against turning relative to the adapter. In accordance with the invention the lock ring 4| is provided with substantially U-shaped slots or openings for receiving and cooperating with the projections 41 on the mandrel 40. Each of the openings in the ring 4| has a lower horizontal portion 49 and end ports 50 and 5| extending upwardly from the opposite ends of its horizontal portion 40. These openings in the ring 4| are proportioned to readily receive the projections 46 of the mandrel and may extend through the walls of the ring.

A spring 53 is provided to urge the lock ring 4| downwardly. The spring 53 is in the nature of a. helical spring surrounding the mandrel 40 and is arranged under compression between the lower end of the sub 43 and the upper end of the lock ring 4|. An annular groove 54 may be provided in the upper end of the lock ring 4| to receive the lower end part of the spring 53.

To assemble the lock ring 4| on the mandrel 40 the lock ring is first passed over the upp r end of the mandrel and brought to a position where its openings communicate with the opposite ends of the opening 41. The pin forming the projections 46 is then passed through the opening 41 so that its end parts project to form the projections 46 which projections 46 cooperate with the openings in the ring 4|. The spring 53 is then arranged on the mandrel 40 and the pin 42 of the mandrel is threaded into the sub 43. This connects the mandrel 40 with the lower end of the setting string. The adapter i0 may be readily connected with or threaded on the liner 7 hanger H, a liner or other piece of equipment to be set in the well. Following the connection of the mandrel 46 with the string and the connection of the adapter ill with the hanger H the mandrel is releasably connected between the setting string and the hanger or other piece of equipment to be set in the well.

To connect the mandrel 40 with the adapter ill the ring 4| is first turned and brought to a position where the parts 5| of its openings receive the projections 46. When the ring is in this position its fingers 48 are longitudinally aligned with two of the lugs 45 of the mandrel. The mandrel 40 is then introduced into the adapter Ill so that the lugs 45 enter and move downwardly through the longitudinal grooves 1 of the adapter. The fingers 48 being longitudinally aligned with two of the lugs 45 follow these lugs into two of the adapter grooves IT. The mandrel 40 is then moved downwardly relative to the adapter l0 bringing the ring 4| against the upper end of the adapter l0, and moving the projections 46 into the horizontal portions 49 of the ring openlogs. The spring 63 is compressed during this movement. With the spring 53 held under compression and the projections 46 in the horizontal portions 49 of the ring openings the mandrel and adapter are turned relative to one another to move the projections 46 through the horizontal portions 49 of the ring openings. This relative turning between the mandrel and adapter ||l moves the lugs 45 into the circumferential groove I6 01 the adapter-so that they are out of align- 'ment with the longitudinal grooves l1. The mandrel 40 and the adapter in are turned relative to one another until the projections 46 are in longitudinal alignment with the parts 50 of the ring openings whereupon the adapter l0 and the mandrel 40 are moved longitudinally relative to one another to bring the projections 46 into the upper portions of the opening parts 50. With the parts in this position the lugs 45 are located in the;circumferential groove 6 of the adapter at or adjacent its upper wall and out of alignment with the longitudinal grooves H. The lugs45 cooperating with the circumferential groove l6 efiectively lock the mandrel 40 and'the adapter |0 together for the transmission of longitudinal forces and the fingers 48 cooperate with the longitudinal grooves l1 and the projections 46 cooperate with the opening parts 50 to prevent relative turning between the adapter and mandrel.

When the parts are in the position just described the setting tool connects the liner hanger H or other device with the setting string so that it may be run ino the well on the lower end of the string. 1

When the hanger H or other device has been run into the well on the string and positioned or set as desired the setting tool may be released to permit the removal of the setting string from the well leaving the hanger H or other device in the well. To release the setting tool the setting string is first moved downwardly moving the lugs 45 into the lower portion of the circumferential groove l6 and moving the projections 46 into circumferential alignment with the horizontal portions 49 of the ring openings. The string is then turned. to move the lugs 45 into vertical alignment with the longitudinal grooves H of the adapter. This turning movement of the string also moves the projections 46 into vertical alignment with the parts 5| of the ring openings. The fingers 48 cooperating with the longitudinal grooves |1 effectively hold the lock ring 4| against turning during this turning of the string, insuring the proper positioning of the projections 46 when the lugs 45 are brought into vertical alignment with the longitudinal grooves H. The setting string is then raised. As the lugs 45 are in vertical alignment with the longitudinal grooves |1 they move upwardly through these grooves when the string is raised so that upward movement of the string disengages the mandrel 40 from the adapter l0. Following the release of the mandrel 40 from the adapter Hi the setting string carrying the mandrel 40 may be withdrawn from the well leaving the adapter in on the hanger H or other device set in the well.

When it becomes necessary or desirable to remove the liner hanger H or other device with which the adapter I0 is connected the mandrel 40 carrying the lock ring 4| is attached to a suitable string of pipe and is run into the well. Prior to the introduction of the string into the well the lock ring 4| is arranged on the mandrel 40 so that the projections 46 are received in the parts 5| of the ring openings. This longitudinally the parts and to transmit longitudinal forces aligns the ring fingers 48 with the lugs 45 of the mandrel. The string is run into the well until themandrel enters the adapter Ill. The bevelled upper end i5 01 the adapter assists in guiding the mandrel into the adapter. It may be found necessary to turn the string to effect the entrance of the lugs 45 into the longitudinal grooves ll of the adapter. As the ring fingers 48 are vertically aligned with the lugs 45 they follow the lugs 45 into the grooves II. The lock ring 4| may engage the upper end ofthe adapter III to limit the portions 49 of the ring openings. The string is then turned to move the lugs 46 into the circumferential groove 18 and out of alignment with the longitudinal grooves I I and to move the pro- Jections 46 horizontally in the opening portions 49 to the parts 50 of the openings. The mandrel 40 is then effectively locked in the'adapter i and the string may be manipulated and raised to withdraw the adapter and the other parts connected with the string from the well.

Having described only typical preferred forms and applications of our invention, we do not wish to be limited or restricted to the specific details herein set forth, but wish to reserve to ourselves any variations or modifications that may appear to those skilled in the art or fall within the scope of the following claims.

Having described our invention. we claim:

1. A tool for releasably connecting a string with an object to be set in a well comprising an outer part having an opening, an inner part adapted to be received in the opening, one part being adapted to be connected with the string, the other 40 part being adapted to be connected with the object, disengageable surfaces on the parts adapted to cooperate to transmit longitudinal forces between the parts, and a member shiftably carried by one part and releasably cooperating with the other part to transmit rotation between the parts and to releasably lock the surfaces against disengagement.

2. A tool for releasably connecting a string with an object to set in a well comprising two parts adapted for telescopic cooperation, a part being adapted ,to be attached to the string and a part being adapted to be attached to the object, the parts being related for relative longitudinal movement, surfaces on the parts adapted to cooperate to limit relative longitudinal movement between the parts and to transmit longitudinal forces between the parts, the surfaces being releasable by relative turning of the parts, and means'locking the parts against relative turning releasable by limited relative longitudinal movement of the parts to allow d sengagement of the surfaces, said means including a lock member adapted to have non-rotatlve engagement with one part while having non-rotative engagement with the other part and freed of said other part to permit relative turning thereof by limited relative longitudinal movement between the parts.

3. A tool for releasably connecting a string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts adapted for telescopic cooperation, a part being I adapted to be attached .to the string and a part being adapted to be attached to the object, the parts being related for relative longitudinal movement, surfaces on the parts adapted to cooperate to limit relative longitudinal movement between ticn of the parts and tween the parts, the surfaces being releasable by relative turning of the parts, and means locking the parts against relative .turning releasable by limited relative longitudinal movement of the parts to allow disengagement of the surfaces, said means including a spring urged lock member adapted to have non-rotative engagement with both of the parts and freed from one part to permit relative turning of the parts by'limited relative longitudinal movement between the parts.

4. A tool for releasably connecting a well string and an object to be set in a well including two parts, one a tubular member, the other a mandrel adapted to-enter the tubular member, one part being connected to the string, the other part being connected to the object, there being a circumferential groove and a longitudinal groove in one part, a lug on the other part normally cooperating with the circumferential groove to prevent separamovable in the circumferlimited relative longitudithe parts, and a lock ring cooperating with the parts to prevent relative rotation between the parts and releasable from one part by relative longitudinal movement of the parts to permit the lug to move out through the longitudinal groove whereupon the parts are disengaged.

5. A tool for releasably connecting a well string and an object to be set in a well including two parts, one a tubular member, the other a mandrel adapted to enter the tubular member, one part being connected to the string, the other part being connected to the object, the tubular member having a circumferential groove, and a' longitudinal groove Joining the circumferential groove, a lug on the mandrel adaptedto cooperate with the circumferential groove to prevent separation of the parts, the lug being movable in the circumferential slot to permit limited relative longitudinal movement between the parts, and a shlftable lock ring keyed to the mandrel and normally cooperating with the tubular member to prevent rotation between the parts and freed of keyed engagement with the mandrel by limited relative longitudinal movement of the parts to allow movement of the lug into and through the longitudinal groove.

6. A tool for releasably connecting a well string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts, one part being connected with the string, the other part being connected with the object, one part being a tubular member having an internal circumferential groove and an internal longitudinal groove joining the circumferential groove, the other part being an inner member to be received in the tubular member, a lug on the inner member adapted to pass through the iongitudinal groove when the inner member is introduced in the tubular member and adapted to move into the circumferential groove when the members are turned relative to one another, the lug being adapted to cooperate with the circumferential groove to transmit longitudinal forces between the members and being adapted to move in the circumferential groove to allow limited relative longitudinal movement of the members, and a lock ring on the inner member adapted to cooperate with the tubular member to prevent rotation between the members and thus prevent outward passage of the lug through the longitudinal groove and releasable by limited relative longitudinal movement between the members to permit relative turning between the members ential groove to allow nal movement between which turning brings the lug into the longitudinal groove for movement therefrom when the members are separated longitudinally.

'7. A tool for releasably connecting a well string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts, one part being connected with the string, the other part being connected with the object, one part being a tubular member having an internal circumferential groove and an internal longitudinal groove joining the circumferential groove, the other part being an inner member to be received in the tubular member, the inner member having a longitudinal passage with a lateral branch, a lug on the inner member adapted to move through the longitudinal groove to the circumferential groove when the inner member is inserted in the tubular member and thereafter movable into the circumferential groove by relative turning of the members, the cooperation of the lug and circumferential groove preventing separation of the members, the lug being movable in the circumferential groove to allow limited relative longitudinal movement between the members, a ring movable on the inner member, a tongue on the ring adapted to cooperate with the longitudinal groove to prevent relative turning between the ring and tubular member, and a key on the ring adapted to cooperate with the longitudinal passage to prevent relative turning between the ring and inner member whereby the ring may transmit rotation between the members, the key being aligned with said branch by limited relative longitudinal movement between the members and thereafter being movable into the branch by relative turning between the members to align the lug with the longitudinal groove to permit longitudinal separation of the members.

.8. A tool for releasably connecting a well string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts, one part being connected with the string, the other part being connected with the object, one part being a tubular member having an internal circumferential groove and an internal longitudinal groove joining the circumferential groove, the other part being an inner member to be received in the tubular member, the inner member having a longitudinal passage with a lateral branch, a lug on the inner member adapted to move through the longitudinal groove to the circumferential groove when the inner member is inserted in the tubular member and thereafter movable into the circumferential groove by relative turning of the members, the cooperation of the lug and circumferential groove preventing separation of the members, the lug being movable in the circumferential groove to allow limited relative longitudinal movement between the members, a ring movable on the inner member, a

tongue on the ring adapted to cooperate with the a longitudinal groove to prevent relative turning between the ring and tubular member, a key on the ring adapted to cooperate with the longitudinal passage to prevent relative turning between the ring and inner member whereby the ring may transmit rotation between the members, the key being aligned with said branch by limited relative longitudinal movement between the members and thereafter being movable into the branch by relative turning between the members to align the ing with the longitudinal groove to permit longitudinal separation of the members, and spring means for yieldingly holding the ring in a position where its key is in the longitudinal passage.

9. A tool for releasably connecting a well string branch, a lug on the inner member adapted to move through the longitudinal groove to the circumferential groove when the inner member is inserted in the tubular member and thereafter movable into the circumferential groove by relative turning of the members, the cooperation of the lug and circumferential groove preventing separation of the members, the lug being movable in the circumferential groove to allow limited relative longitudinal movement between the members, a ring movable on the inner member, a tongue on the ring adapted to cooperate with the longitudinal groove to prevent relative turning between the ring and tubular member, a key on the ring adapted to cooperate with the longitudinal passage to prevent relative turning between the ring and inner member whereby the ring may transmit rotation between the members, the key being aligned with said branch by limited relative longitudinal movement between the members and thereafter being movable into the branch by relative turning between the members to align the lug with the longitudinal groove to permit longitudinal separation of the members, and a spring surrounding the inner member for yieldingly holding the ring in a position where its key is in the longitudinal passage.

10. A tool for releasably connecting a Setting string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts adapted to extend'one within the other, one part being adapted to be connected"- with the string, the other part being adapted to be connected with the object, lugs and grooves on the parts adapted to releasably cooperate to connect the parts for the transmission of longitudinal forces, and means locking the lugs and ing two parts adapted to extend one within the other, one part being adapted to be connected with the string, the other part being adapted to be connected with the object, lugs and grooves on the parts adapted to releasably cooperate to connect the parts for the transmission of longitudinal forces, and means locking the lugs and grooves against disengagement releasable by relative turning between the parts, said-means including, a ring shiftable on one of said parts and having an opening, a projection on said part for cooperating with the opening to limit movement of the ring, and a finger on the ring having non-rotative engagement with the other of said parts and releasable therefrom by longitudinal movement between said parts.

12. A tool for releasably connecting a setting string with an object to be set in a well comprising two parts adapted to extend one within the other, one part being adapted to be connected,

with the string, the other part being adapted to be connected with the object, lugs and grooves on the parts adapted to cooperate to connect the parts for the transmission or longitudinalmovement and releasable by relative turning of the parts, and means for locking the lugs and grooves against disengagement including a ring shittable on one of said parts and having a substantially H shaped opening, a projection on said part movable in the opening, and a finger on the'ring having non-rotative engagement with the other of said parts and releasable therefrom by longitudinal movement.

HARRY P. wrcmsmu. ERWIN BURNS. 

